1) VOICES
Not my choice for an album opener. Not that it's not a rippin' track but it just starts a little odd, with a quiet, mellow build up. Once it gets going though, it sets the tone for the album.
7/10
2) THE GAME
If track 1 has an odd start, then track 2 is downright bizarre ! Sounding more like Duran Duran than a metal band, THE GAME is almost electronica style for the first 30 seconds or so. But once again, once the song gets going it's typical DISTURBED.
8/10
3) STUPIFY
This one has an almost out of tune feel about it, which is part of it's charm. Very infectious track and great use of the "F" word throughout !
7/10
4) DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS
Killer song ! Intense and aggressive, with powerful lyrics. A real epic performance. David Draiman's unique vocal stylings are also a highlight. Only the very disturbing spoken (screaming) bridge part keep it from scoring a perfect 10.
9/10
5) VIOLENCE FETISH
Sinister vocal intro leads into a Rage Against The Machine inspired riff. Beyond that, it's a pretty typical DISTURBED song, which is a good thing.
7/10
6) FEAR
Not a bad track at all, just not as memorable as the first 5.
5/10
7) NUMB
Almost sounds like it could have come off Soundgarden's Superunknown album, except not as good. Slower than the rest of the album so far, and grinds on a little too long.
4/10
8) WANT
Similar to the previous track. Unfortunately the whole album starts to drag a little at this point.
3/10
9) CONFLICT
The album bottoms out with this filler track. At least the tempo picks up a little with this one, but it's just not that good.
3/10
10) SHOUT 2000
Terrific cover song and thankfully, saves the album from being ejected from the CD player. Beefed up just enough from the original, but not overdone. Solid effort.
7/10
11) DROPPIN' PLATES
Now this is better ! Heavy as hell with great rumbling drums all the way through. Metal never sounded better. One of DISTURBED's best ever !
9/10
12) MEANING OF LIFE
A solid heavy rocker to finish out the album. Interesting sound effect through the chorus gives it a haunted feel.
7/10
So overall, a very good effort for a first album. Perhaps trimming away a few filler tracks (namely tracks 7, 8 and 9) might have made it one of the great metal debuts.
